CRUZ VELACUY
(MAY, 2017)
May 2nd
The Cruz Velacuy, or Vigil of the Cross, has been celebrated every May 2 since the Seventeenth Century.
Formerly, the Crosses were placed in sacred Andean places as instruments of conversion to Christianity. Since then, families, neighborhoods, and institutions have organized an intimate vigil or evening, accompanied by musical groups with typical instruments to make people celebrate with joy. The "carguyoq" or "mayordomos" are in charge of preparing dishes that the guests will taste. In the same way, you cannot miss the punches that help you withstand the intense cold of the Cusco night. On the other hand, candles of all sizes and colors adorn the altar where the Cross is placed. (By Jose Ignacio Ferro, Cusco, May 2021) |
May 3rd.
Central day of the celebration.
The devotees carry the crosses to the Church of Paucartambo to participate in the mass and the procession. At the end of the morning, the crosses are moved back to their original places. |